Comments on: 10 Defenses for Howard the Duck http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/ Daily coverage of what is truly interesting in the film world Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:42:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Roland http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-137013 Roland Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:01 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-137013 Like watching the old 70's Land of the Lost, Howard the Duck is best viewed with an understanding of the time in which it was made. This movie is a perfect time-capsule of the 80's. It CANNOT be fairly compared to contemporary movies which have had the benefit of almost twenty years of technical advancement. The effects work in HTD was by ILM - the premier effects house of the time and as such were astounding given the limitations of their tools. Problems solved by ILM in HTD with animatronics and compositing and go-motion advanced the skill set of effects technicians paving the way for Jurassic Park's Animatronic T-Rex (only the long shots of the T-Rex in JP were CGI) and the seamless compositing in the Star Wars Prequels. There are much worse movies worthy of your disdain... seen any SciFi (Syfy) channel movies (not the mini-series stuff) lately? What about Raptor Island and its 16-bit video game CGI? Respect. Like watching the old 70’s Land of the Lost, Howard the Duck is best viewed with an understanding of the time in which it was made. This movie is a perfect time-capsule of the 80’s. It CANNOT be fairly compared to contemporary movies which have had the benefit of almost twenty years of technical advancement. The effects work in HTD was by ILM - the premier effects house of the time and as such were astounding given the limitations of their tools. Problems solved by ILM in HTD with animatronics and compositing and go-motion advanced the skill set of effects technicians paving the way for Jurassic Park’s Animatronic T-Rex (only the long shots of the T-Rex in JP were CGI) and the seamless compositing in the Star Wars Prequels. There are much worse movies worthy of your disdain… seen any SciFi (Syfy) channel movies (not the mini-series stuff) lately? What about Raptor Island and its 16-bit video game CGI? Respect.

]]> By: Neil http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-136843 Neil Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:07:18 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-136843 Its funny, because when I saw your blog title, I thought it would be totally off the mark. Because its a horrible movie. But, having read all 10 reasons, I have to admit, you're right on every count. Still doesn't change the fact that Gloria Katz is the most awful screenwriter of the 80s. I'll take Leah Thompson in her underpants any day of the week, and puppets beat CGI 110% of the time. And wow, yes, "Crystal Skull" really dropped the bar for gut-wrenching Lucas movies. Its funny, because when I saw your blog title, I thought it would be totally off the mark. Because its a horrible movie.

But, having read all 10 reasons, I have to admit, you’re right on every count. Still doesn’t change the fact that Gloria Katz is the most awful screenwriter of the 80s. I’ll take Leah Thompson in her underpants any day of the week, and puppets beat CGI 110% of the time.

And wow, yes, “Crystal Skull” really dropped the bar for gut-wrenching Lucas movies.

]]> By: samee brown http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-135945 samee brown Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:37:48 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-135945 thats crazy this was my favorite movie when i was little. this and the power rangers Dr. Oozz. i no yall dont really wanna hear about this but i just order both of them off of amazon.com for $10. thats crazy this was my favorite movie when i was little. this and the power rangers Dr. Oozz. i no yall dont really wanna hear about this but i just order both of them off of amazon.com for $10.

]]> By: Mr. On http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-133855 Mr. On Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:16:56 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-133855 Re: Dave, "Ducks don’t have nipples. Ducks are avian. Avians don’t have nipples. Avians don’t breast feed their young. Mammals do. So nipples on a duck are just funny, not nudity.' Okay then, can you say...platypus? Re: Dave,

“Ducks don’t have nipples. Ducks are avian. Avians don’t have nipples. Avians don’t breast feed their young. Mammals do. So nipples on a duck are just funny, not nudity.’

Okay then, can you say…platypus?

]]> By: 10 Defenses for “Howard The Duck” | http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-132085 10 Defenses for “Howard The Duck” | Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:32:05 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-132085 [...] is actually a really funny post. If you’re a fanboy or geek, make sure you check it out. For the past 23 years, I’ve stood by my childhood love for Howard the Duck, constantly [...] [...] is actually a really funny post. If you’re a fanboy or geek, make sure you check it out. For the past 23 years, I’ve stood by my childhood love for Howard the Duck, constantly [...]

]]> By: Blogasaurus » Blog Archive » A Duck Among Men http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-130584 Blogasaurus » Blog Archive » A Duck Among Men Sun, 12 Jul 2009 06:01:18 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-130584 [...] recall why you should want to own this? Here are 10 Defenses for Howard the Duck. Oooooh [...] [...] recall why you should want to own this? Here are 10 Defenses for Howard the Duck. Oooooh [...]

]]> By: Geek Land | Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-129104 Geek Land | Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:15:02 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-129104 [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...] [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...]

]]> By: Kevin Karstens http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-128349 Kevin Karstens Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:28:08 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-128349 WOW, great to find others that love my fave 'bad' film...it's so wonderfully ODD, not many people get it! I myself have created the largest 'Howard' fansite online, which includes deleted scenes, original PC games and screensavers, clips, pop culture references, and much much MORE (including a trailer for the 'sequel'!)...Check it out at www.howardduck.com and let me know what you think...and THANKS AGAIN for a wonderful article! -K WOW, great to find others that love my fave ‘bad’ film…it’s so wonderfully ODD, not many people get it!

I myself have created the largest ‘Howard’ fansite online, which includes deleted scenes, original PC games and screensavers, clips, pop culture references, and much much MORE (including a trailer for the ’sequel’!)…Check it out at http://www.howardduck.com and let me know what you think…and THANKS AGAIN for a wonderful article!

-K

]]> By: Adam http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-128334 Adam Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:50:58 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-128334 Thank you for writing this article! Its great to see other fans of this movie. Just like many of you I would watch this movie over and over till the tape finally broke. My mom had to replace the tape several times. At one point I could recite the entire movie. Ahh memories. Thank you for writing this article! Its great to see other fans of this movie. Just like many of you I would watch this movie over and over till the tape finally broke. My mom had to replace the tape several times. At one point I could recite the entire movie. Ahh memories.

]]> By: Marvel Mystery Monday: Suburban She-Devils, desperate housewives with knives « Monomythic.com http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-127345 Marvel Mystery Monday: Suburban She-Devils, desperate housewives with knives « Monomythic.com Mon, 18 May 2009 05:23:45 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-127345 [...] 1991 could only have reached Marvel through the mind of the late great Steve Gerber, best known (for better or worse) as the creator of Howard the Duck. Working with the talented Amanda Conner (who would go on to [...] [...] 1991 could only have reached Marvel through the mind of the late great Steve Gerber, best known (for better or worse) as the creator of Howard the Duck. Working with the talented Amanda Conner (who would go on to [...]

]]> By: Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses | Frustration Factor News and Articles http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-127196 Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses | Frustration Factor News and Articles Thu, 14 May 2009 10:43:20 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-127196 [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...] [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...]

]]> By: Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses | webnhance.com http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-127188 Gallery: George Lucas’ Biggest Hits and Misses | webnhance.com Thu, 14 May 2009 06:29:04 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-127188 [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...] [...] old is new and what were once stinkers are now cult classics. This pattern of reappraisal has even touched Howard the Duck — nasty! — but it is probably more fitting for these two ambitious box-office [...]

]]> By: ErinPatricia http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-123190 ErinPatricia Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:40:57 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-123190 thank you for this article! I love this movie, have since I was a kid! thank you for this article! I love this movie, have since I was a kid!

]]> By: Todd Hoelmer http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122789 Todd Hoelmer Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:07:46 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122789 Thank you! I've been a staunch defender of HtD since it's release. I was a big fan of the book and wasn't disappointed. Thank you! I’ve been a staunch defender of HtD since it’s release. I was a big fan of the book and wasn’t disappointed.

]]> By: Durby http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122770 Durby Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:06:50 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122770 I loved this movie the first time I saw it at the Worcester Gallery Cinemas in 1986. It's nice to be able to share this classic film with my 8 and 9 year old kids. I loved this movie the first time I saw it at the Worcester Gallery Cinemas in 1986. It’s nice to be able to share this classic film with my 8 and 9 year old kids.

]]> By: Geoff G. http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122674 Geoff G. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:35:23 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122674 HTD rocks. It's a pity no one understands 'campy' movies any more. I even own the soundtrack album. On cassette, natch. HTD rocks. It’s a pity no one understands ‘campy’ movies any more.

I even own the soundtrack album. On cassette, natch.

]]> By: Rand Shuler http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122662 Rand Shuler Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:31:08 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122662 Ps. Willow, Menace and Crystal Skull are all more fun than Howard. At least I can make it through those movies without begging my fingers to hit the stop button... Ps. Willow, Menace and Crystal Skull are all more fun than Howard. At least I can make it through those movies without begging my fingers to hit the stop button…

]]> By: Rand Shuler http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122660 Rand Shuler Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:28:07 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122660 Not convinced. Still hate the movie. As a kid in the eighties, we rented this one night for a slumber party and promptly lost interest in less than ten minutes and went back to pillow fights. I have glanced at the comics from time to time (not a big fan), and I can see how fans would be disappointed. The whole appeal of Howard the Duck was that he a fowl mouthed crumudgeon. Smoking cigars and slapping asses. I went back and watched this movie again a few months ago, and again lost interest in no time. It's boring. I don't care about the characters. And, the whole Duckworld thing you think is so cool, comes off as extremely corny. Bad pun after bad pun. Sorry. This movie still sucks... Not convinced. Still hate the movie. As a kid in the eighties, we rented this one night for a slumber party and promptly lost interest in less than ten minutes and went back to pillow fights. I have glanced at the comics from time to time (not a big fan), and I can see how fans would be disappointed. The whole appeal of Howard the Duck was that he a fowl mouthed crumudgeon. Smoking cigars and slapping asses. I went back and watched this movie again a few months ago, and again lost interest in no time. It’s boring. I don’t care about the characters. And, the whole Duckworld thing you think is so cool, comes off as extremely corny. Bad pun after bad pun. Sorry. This movie still sucks…

]]> By: John http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122653 John Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:13:38 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122653 I worked on post-production for Howard. I started at Lucasfilm a month before Howard wrapped and I thought I'd gone to work in a building full of zombies. They'd been working on Howard 14 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months trying to get it done on deadline despite all the last minute revisions. My favorite memory: the guy at ILM who built the 1/3 scale radio controlled Howard kept it in the back of his car for months so that the batteries could recharge every night. My favorite scene: When Dark Overlord is in the truck and needs energy, he says in a low voice "need more power" and plugs his penis/tongue into the cigarette lighter outlet. I still say that when I'm looking for a power outlet. I also worked on Willow ("Who'd do THAT?"). There is one seeming continuity error towards the end when Sorsha goes into the base of the tower leading to Bavmorda and her outfit is clean. When she comes out the top she's covered with blood. There were about 20 minutes of her hacking her way up the stairs that were left out. Wish I'd gotten to see that. I worked on post-production for Howard. I started at Lucasfilm a month before Howard wrapped and I thought I’d gone to work in a building full of zombies. They’d been working on Howard 14 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months trying to get it done on deadline despite all the last minute revisions.

My favorite memory: the guy at ILM who built the 1/3 scale radio controlled Howard kept it in the back of his car for months so that the batteries could recharge every night.

My favorite scene: When Dark Overlord is in the truck and needs energy, he says in a low voice “need more power” and plugs his penis/tongue into the cigarette lighter outlet. I still say that when I’m looking for a power outlet.

I also worked on Willow (”Who’d do THAT?”). There is one seeming continuity error towards the end when Sorsha goes into the base of the tower leading to Bavmorda and her outfit is clean. When she comes out the top she’s covered with blood. There were about 20 minutes of her hacking her way up the stairs that were left out. Wish I’d gotten to see that.

]]> By: Renee http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122637 Renee Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:04:29 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122637 I have never understood the HtD haters. Its is an awesome movie. Its fun and funny and doesn't take itself too seriously. Its a great escape, which is what movies are supposed to be about. I have fond memories of sitting inside on a rainy sunday afternoon watching my well-used copy and singing along with Cherry Bomb. Aaand now I have the title song stuck in my head. I have never understood the HtD haters. Its is an awesome movie. Its fun and funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its a great escape, which is what movies are supposed to be about. I have fond memories of sitting inside on a rainy sunday afternoon watching my well-used copy and singing along with Cherry Bomb.

Aaand now I have the title song stuck in my head.

]]> By: John G http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122632 John G Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:23:48 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122632 Does the DVD include the hilarious teaser with Lea Thompson cooing about what a special man Howard the Duck is? Does the DVD include the hilarious teaser with Lea Thompson cooing about what a special man Howard the Duck is?

]]> By: Joshua Wagner http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122627 Joshua Wagner Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:10:14 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122627 I for one loved this movie when I was a kid... I had it on video tape (taped I believe off of HBO or something) and I would watch it over and over again. I loved the kitchy scene at the beginning with all the duck puns- I was in love with Lea Thompson (and who wasn't) and as a sci-fi fan who couldn't respect the Darkoverlord plot and effects? I mean, I would watch it just to see that thing come through that space gate... and weren't there lasers or something? Man that was a great movie for its time. I will say this though, much like: Thundercats- He-Man- The 1984 Animated Transformers, Alf, and many other things from my childhood, it is probably left best in my memory where it still retains its awsomeness. I bought the Thundercats DVD last year, and only made it through the first two episodes. It almost ruined my childhood. I suspect I would feel the same way about this beloved midget in a duck suit. I for one loved this movie when I was a kid… I had it on video tape (taped I believe off of HBO or something) and I would watch it over and over again. I loved the kitchy scene at the beginning with all the duck puns- I was in love with Lea Thompson (and who wasn’t) and as a sci-fi fan who couldn’t respect the Darkoverlord plot and effects? I mean, I would watch it just to see that thing come through that space gate… and weren’t there lasers or something? Man that was a great movie for its time.
I will say this though, much like: Thundercats- He-Man- The 1984 Animated Transformers, Alf, and many other things from my childhood, it is probably left best in my memory where it still retains its awsomeness. I bought the Thundercats DVD last year, and only made it through the first two episodes. It almost ruined my childhood. I suspect I would feel the same way about this beloved midget in a duck suit.

]]> By: Oliver http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122574 Oliver Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:27:51 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122574 Go Hulu! And go Howard!:) While working on www.cerebus3d.com initially people would bring up Howard... Go Hulu! And go Howard!:)
While working on
http://www.cerebus3d.com
initially people would bring up Howard…

]]> By: Victor http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122564 Victor Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:44:31 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122564 You had me with the Duck love. You lost me with your Willow hate. Why must people rail against such a classic? Maybe I need to write 10 Defenses for Willow... You had me with the Duck love. You lost me with your Willow hate. Why must people rail against such a classic? Maybe I need to write 10 Defenses for Willow…

]]> By: Dave http://blog.spout.com/2009/03/10/10-defenses-for-howard-the-duck/#comment-122547 Dave Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:34 +0000 http://blog.spout.com/?p=11771#comment-122547 Aaron, Ducks don't have nipples. Ducks are avian. Avians don't have nipples. Avians don't breast feed their young. Mammals do. So nipples on a duck are just funny, not nudity. Aaron,

Ducks don’t have nipples. Ducks are avian. Avians don’t have nipples. Avians don’t breast feed their young. Mammals do. So nipples on a duck are just funny, not nudity.

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